Manchester Proud is a community-based movement that brings together parents, students, educators, and community members to drive a collaborative strategic planning process for the city’s district and schools.

As a part of this process, the group is seeking proposals for a comprehensive assessment of the Manchester School District (MSD) and its individual schools, and to provide recommendations based upon this assessment for strategies MSD should implement to improve student outcomes and opportunities.

The objective in Phase I is to build a comprehensive and nuanced picture of the current state of MSD and its schools, neighborhoods, and human capital. In Phase I there are essential questions to explore around strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks. The data and information gathered in answering these questions will highlight where MP should focus during Phase II as it engages the Manchester community in defining an aspirational vision for how students learn and on developing the innovative, high-impact strategies that the city will implement to realize this vision.

Note: Manchester Proud has contracted with Reaching Higher NH, to provide two services: first, serve as general project manager for MP; and second, lead community engagement efforts to gather feedback, build public involvement with the planning process, and ultimately, create a public mandate to implement and support the new strategic plan for MSD. Reaching Higher will work closely with the chosen consulting firm to meet MP’s mission and goals. Additional information on RHNH and the community engagement work can be found in Appendix 2 of the RFP.

Reaching Higher NH is a nonpartisan 501c3. Our mission is to provide all New Hampshire children with the opportunity to prepare for college, for immediate careers, and for the challenges and opportunities of life in 21st century NH, by serving as a public education policy and community engagement resource for New Hampshire families, educators, and elected officials.